A few other reminders for Saturday’s game
— Both undercover and uniformed officers will enforce alcohol laws during Saturday’s game, Columbia Police Chief Randy Scott said.
Scott said the Alcohol Enforcement Patrol — a joint venture among several law enforcement agencies — will have up to 30 officers patrolling tailgating areas, the stadium and surrounding areas before, during and after the game.
One difference this year, according to Scott, is that all citations and arrests of USC students will be reported to the university.
Scott, who took the chief job about a year ago, said added enforcement in Five Points was part of his focus as police chief, and he plans to take his mantra of not condoning underage drinking to Williams-Brice Stadium this weekend.
He said education was his primary goal, not enforcement. His officers have spoken to various USC groups in attempt to promote safety, and he said officers would be active in both enforcement and education this weekend.
“I take underage drinking very seriously,” Scott said. “I don’t want to see young people being placed in the hospital or taking part in a criminal activity or becoming a victim because of alcohol.”
— If you can’t go into Saturday’s game, make sure you cancel your ticket online prior to kickoff. Students who don’t attend the game and forget to cancel their tickets lose student ticket privileges for the remainder of the season.
— The 2,100 students who receive tickets in the upper deck must enter through Gate 18, according to the university. Students with tickets in the stadium’s lower bowl will be given a wristband, and those without a wristband will be asked to leave the stadium or return to the upper deck, Edwards said.
— Students who enter the game at least one hour prior to kickoff will be awarded an extra loyalty point. Extra points give students a better chance at being awarded tickets during the lottery drawing for next week’s game against Vanderbilt.
— Students who need help during the game can text 69050 for assistance. A member of USC’s guest services staff will respond to the message.